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Predation without direction selectivity.

Jenna Krizan1,2, Xiayingfang Song1,3, Michael J Fitzpatrick1,2

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|March 14, 2024
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers found that narrow-field (NF) neurons in the superior colliculus (SC) guide predation. However, the direction selectivity of these neurons is not essential for hunting success in mice.

Keywords:
direction-selectiveganglion cellsnarrow-field cellsretinasuperior colliculus

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Ethology
  • Visual processing

Background:

  • Motion-sensing neurons in the superior colliculus (SC) are crucial for visual predation across species.
  • Direction selectivity in these neurons is believed to aid in tracking prey escape routes, but its origin and role are debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the source of direction selectivity in the SC and its necessity for predation.
  • To determine if narrow-field (NF) neurons in the SC are responsible for guiding predatory behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized type-specific cell removal in mice to study neuronal function.
  • Performed in vivo recordings to analyze neural responses to visual stimuli.
  • Employed monosynaptic retrograde tracing to map neural circuitry.
  • Experimentally eliminated retinal direction selectivity in adult mice.

Main Results:

  • Direction-selective responses in the SC, including NF cells, were abolished when retinal direction selectivity was eliminated.
  • NF neurons in the SC were identified as crucial for guiding predation.
  • Despite losing direction selectivity in the SC and the optokinetic reflex, mouse hunting success and strategies remained unaffected.

Conclusions:

  • Direction selectivity in the SC originates from direction-selective ganglion cells in the retina.
  • NF cells in the SC guide predation independently of their direction selectivity, demonstrating behavioral multiplexing.
  • Feature-selective manipulations are vital for understanding neural contributions to complex behaviors like predation.